In part 1 of this review the perioperative aspects of the use of non-opioids (acetaminophen, dipyrone, traditional NSAR, coxibs) and in part 2 of opioids (weak opioids: tramadol, tilidine with naloxone, strong opioids: morphine, piritramide, oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, buprenorphine) and coanalgesics (gabapentinoids, ketamine) will be discussed. The main aim is to describe the relationship between analgesic efficacy and side effects to make clinical decisions easier in patients with preoperative renal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and other diseases. Some new aspects concerning perioperative administration of gabapentinoids and ketamine in patients with perioperative neuropathic pain are discussed.